The Unicorn Challenge.
A magical new weekly writing opportunity from her – Jenne Gray – and me.
Visit her blog every Friday to see the photo prompt, and post your amazing story in her comments section.
Or on your own blog, and stick the link down in her comments.
The rules are:
Maximum of 250 words.
Based on photo prompt.
That’s it.
To hear me read my story, just click here:
The Smile
I watch her walking up the path towards the front door.
My heart lifts as she smiles at me through the window.
I have loved her, and her smile, for over 40 years.
It’s the sort of smile that lights up a room, makes everyone feel better.
I remember watching her walk up the shared path when she moved in next door as a teenager.
Love at first sight.
I remember our first date when we sat holding hands through a forgettable film at the Odeon cinema.
I remember while we were still at school strolling hand in hand through Rozelle and Belleisle, and along the banks and braes of Bonnie Doon.
I remember her tears and her kiss when I went off to university.
I remember her in her wedding dress, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.
I remember her walking up the path on her return home from the hospital, holding wee Emily in her arms.
I remember how she always refused to move away because her mother needed her.
And then afterwards, because here was home.
‘Hi, sweetie,’ she says, her smile radiant. ‘Here’s the book you asked me to get from the library.’
Her hand brushes against mine as I take it from her, and I feel that frisson of electricity that thrills me every time.
‘Sorry I can’t stop for a cup of tea,’ she shakes her head, still smiling. ‘I have to go fetch that husband of mine from the golf.’
After all that and she can even stay for a lousy cup of tea?
Tsk tsk
Essentially the perfect woman- or man. At least I think that would be ideal, all the love and none of the drama.
Laughing here.
Kinda cynical view of love, Violet, isn’t the drama and heartache part of the whole experience?
Aha, oh dear – I guess I thought that.
But also I just thought about the Odeon Cinema… how many years would that?
Always the pessimist, Chris.
Fyi, the Odeon in Ayr opened in 1938 and closed in 2023.
I’ve linked to a photo here:
Aww, thanks for that – love those old cinemas. The new ones are not the same, are they.
Ouch!
The words unsaid speak as loudly as the ones you write – which are, as always, so evocative.
What happened to them?
Why?
No need for answers – the story is complete.
But it gives me food for thought – and the desire to slap somebody – now, which one of them…?
You’re getting a bit free with the slaps, Jenne, it’s just life!
Sometimes people – or one person – just move(s) on.